Phife Dawg – Forever (2xLP)

A Tribe Called Quest co-founder Phife Dawg died in 2016 at age 45, shortly after turning in his final contributions to ATCQs incredible swan song We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service, and working on what would eventually become his second solo album. His first, 2000s Ventilation: Da LP, was strong but largely overlooked, and the years before his death saw several solo singles and various Tribe reunions as his work slowly came together for a second solo bid. Completed after his death by friend, collaborator, and business associate DJ Rasta Root, Phife Dawgs posthumous album Forever is a glowing pastiche of golden era hip-hop sounds and lyrics that focus on themes of maturity, family, and maintaining integrity with age -- all reflective of what mattered most to Phife when he passed on. Production from 9th Wonder on the twinkly, sun-kissed beat of "Only a Coward" and the J Dilla beat of "Nutshell, Pt. 2" (a reprise of an earlier single with new additions from Busta Rhymes and Redman) bring a throwback atmosphere, as do many of the instrumentals. J Dilla also comes up in the synthy and futuristic "Dear Dilla (Reprise)," a continuation of Phifes 2014 memoriam of the innovative producer, updated with a new hook from Q-Tip reflecting on how neither Dilla nor Phife are still here. The warm tones, subtle jazzy touches, and relaxed beats are culled directly from ATCQs prime, and when hes not rapping about his adoration for the greats of Black music on "Wow Factor," or nostalgic tales of seduction on "French Kiss Trois," Phifes lyrics are all about his love for his family and all the lessons he learned on the way to adulthood. Released six years to the day after Phifes death, Forever serves as both the final realization of his artistic statement, and a loving tribute to the memory of the artist himself. ~ Fred Thomas